Brain Food

OK, first, another pound gone buh-bye.  When I got on the scale yesterday (I've designated Monday as my weekly weigh-in day), I was a little disappointed it wasn't more.  Then I realized that, as long as the number keeps decreasing, and I start actually feeling better, then I resolve to look at this weight-loss effort as a process, not some race.  And so it is -- my waistbands are not pinching now, and every pound gone is one I'm not lugging around anymore.

Anyway, my writing!  What can I say except that the creative pipeline is clogged somewhat.   I wouldn't call it a "block," because lots of ideas are swirling around in my brain, but I would say the energy is running low.  Usually, once I start clicking away at my laptop, the blog or article usually "writes itself."  So, I've taken some time off as a reset, and here are some of the random things I'm indulging in just to get the juices flowing again:

• Sunday getaways -- Last Sunday, I went to early Mass and then hit C-470 up to Golden.  My destination--Lookout Mountain, and the Buffalo Bill burial site and museum.  My timing was a little off; the whole region was beginning a heat spell, and by the time I headed home in the late afternoon, my car thermostat was registering 106.  I came prepared with sunscreen and water, though, and chalked up trudging up the steep hill to pay my respects to Mr. Cody as good exercise.  At the end of the day, the visit entitled me to log lots of Fit Points in my Weight Watchers app.  It also happened to be Father's Day, and I like the way Johnny Baker, Cody's "foster son" and longtime friend, was honored near the entrance of the museum, including for his role in getting this museum founded.  I wholeheartedly recommend this site to anyone, especially for those who are fellow history enthusiasts

          I've already mentioned my Leadville trip in the previous entry.  Next stop--Steamboat Springs.  I've checked out the Facebook page they have up dedicated to weekend rodeos, and so, I'm going, ASAP.  The point to all these trips is to finally, after a year of settling into Littleton, explore the places I have listed on my refrigerator.  Colorado is such a treasure-trove of history!  And the drives through the countryside plant wonderful, refreshing images in my brain.  Inspiration comes in so many forms, subtle and obvious.  I just want to open the sensory gates, and let it all in.

• NPR --  Part of the benefits of Colorado Public Radio is having access to quality programming, especially in this particularly divisive campaign year.  Besides being made aware of national and global issues, like the Venezuela crisis, there are also opportunities for exposure to arts that are not aired on regular networks.  I recommend that everyone go on YouTube and watch/listen to Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble--almost like musical diplomacy.  Also on CPR, I find Open Air's "new music" to be a welcome switch from mainstream pop stations.  As much as I've loved classical music for years, I'm finding that staying relevant to the upcoming generations is so important, especially through their music.
• Line dancing -- After nearly a year, when I stopped dancing to give my knee a rest, I'm ready to get back out there again.  Besides the fun exercise, I feel a need to socialize again on Saturday nights.
• Self-care -- there's nothing like the jacuzzi after work, these trips and partying to soothe the muscles and get a good night's sleep.  And, since sleep is an important restorative function, it can also benefit my creative functioning.

So, let the summer begin, and let's all enjoy!

Six Pounds Gone

Following up on my June 6 post, I'm down 6 pounds....a good start.  I do feel an ever-so-slight difference in my jeans, especially the waist band.  And so, victory begins.

In addition to being mindful of the Smart Points, I'm also logging as many Fit Points as I can, considering my schedule and my daily pain level with my arthritis.  I figure that a plan of as much walking as I can manage, followed by a cup of soothing herbal tea in the evening and a lovely warm bath or soak in my complex's jacuzzi to soothe the joints...that's the way to really treat myself.

Last Saturday night, I got really brave and went to a local dance studio, where I faced a big fear -- that of (gasp!) ballroom dancing.  Born to a generation that just got out on a dance floor and did a solo "whatever," learning the two-step and some confusing variations--that was an exercise in bravery!  Our teacher is a very sweet and patient lady, and she gave those of us (including me) who were struggling with the coordination of feet and steps, lots of kudos and told us to be patient with ourselves.

This Saturday, I'm going to try it again--this time to a salsa beat.  Our teacher assured us that this style will be simpler.  Certainly it will be more up-tempo, and more calories will get expended.  If only I could find a regular dance partner, not only to accompany me to this studio, but to practice with during the week so I can get really good,,,also someone who is aware I have issues with relaxing and following a lead.   Anyway, I want to just have a bit of fun, and not take this activity so seriously.   I even posted about this on my Yelp page.

Utilizing my love of travel and history, I got up even earlier than usual last Sunday, and drove up to Leadville.  It's one of the towns that has been on my radar since moving here last year, since it was an integral part of Colorado's formation into statehood.  I began by attending Mass at the landmark Annunciation Church, which has its own history, including being where Margaret (the "unsinkable Molly") Brown was married. This is where I really got a walking workout, especially along Harrison Avenue, taking in the Tabor Opera House tour, ducking down a few side streets to look at the Tabor House Museum, the "House of the Eye," and a sweet little antique shop named Sweet Betsy's From Pike.  And then (with the aid of my Weight Watchers app!), I enjoyed a sesame chicken sandwich, paired nicely with a Killian's Red at the Historic Silver Dollar Saloon (again, reviewed on my Yelp page).  Before heading home, I spent the last two hours at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.  If only I had been here in the days when Son and I were taking regular tours of museums.  It's such an educational and inspiring place!  Front and center, right at the entrance, is a display of Rhodochrosite, the beautiful Colorado state mineral.

By the time I was finished with this part of my day, the Mining Museum was ready to close, and my knee was beginning to say, "I'm done for now."  So, I headed back home, and felt that it had been a great day on many levels.